Legislation to De-Fund Planned Parenthood Introduced in Ohio House

Pro-life State Leaders Speak at Pro-life Rally

COLUMBUS, Ohio--Today, at a pro-life rally co-hosted by Ohio Right to Life, State Representative Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland) announced the introduction of legislation to de-fund Planned Parenthood in Ohio. The introduction of this legislation comes on the heels of the release of videos revealing Planned Parenthood directors negotiating the alleged sale of parts of aborted babies. Representative Patmon and Representative Margaret Conditt (R-Liberty Township) are sponsors of the legislation, and 13 representatives have signed on as co-sponsors.

"In their own words, Planned Parenthood has graphically illustrated for the world the gruesome reality of abortion," said Stephanie Ranade Krider, executive director of Ohio Right to Life. "Planned Parenthood has shown Americans what kind of ‘services’ their tax dollars pay for and proven themselves untrustworthy. Ohio Right to Life is grateful to Representatives Patmon and Conditt for taking charge in de-funding the abortion giant, and for their compassionate commitment to protecting human life in Ohio."

In fiscal year 2013-2014, Planned Parenthood received $1.3 million in taxpayer subsidies in the state of Ohio. Federally, the chain received $528 million. According to the organization's annual report, 94 percent of their pregnancy-related services were abortions, an increase from the previous year. The same year, adoption referrals and prenatal services dropped.

"Planned Parenthood's rhetorical games are finally collapsing in a very public way," said Krider. "No longer can they claim that the human children they are aborting are merely 'clumps of cells.' They are human beings with their own bodies--bodies which seem to have value to Planned Parenthood if they can get a fair price. The American people's revulsion is clear and justified, and we're proud to see our leadership responding so swiftly."

Recently, Attorney General Mike DeWine launched an investigation of Planned Parenthood in Ohio. Governor John Kasich, State Auditor Dave Yost, and Secretary of State Jon Husted released statements on the scandal. At today's pro-life rally at the Ohio Statehouse, Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, Auditor Yost, Secretary of State Husted, and Ohio Senate President Keith Faber addressed the need to protect human life in Ohio.

Ohio Right to Life and our statewide membership thank all elected officials for their continued leadership on this critical issue.

Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.

This legislation is long overdue. Let’s pass it quickly so that Kasich can sign it immediately.

Btw, it was a joy to attend yesterday’s rally to promote life-affirming choices instead of funding the abortion business Planned Parenthood with state and federal tax dollars. Rep. Patmon’s address to the hundreds of us who attended was inspirational; he made me proud to be one of the Clevelanders attending the rally.